USS Indianapolis (CA-35) was a Portland-class cruiser of the United States Navy. She was named for the city of Indianapolis, Indiana.

She served as Flagship for Admiral Raymond Spruance while he commanded the Fifth Fleet in their battles across the Central Pacific. She holds a place in history due to the circumstances of her sinking, which led to the greatest single loss of life at sea in the history of the U.S. Navy. On 30 July 1945, shortly after delivering critical parts for the first atomic bomb to be used in combat to the United States air base at Tinian, the ship was torpedoed by the Japanese Navy submarine I-58, sinking in 12 minutes. Of 1,196 crewmen aboard, approximately 300 went down with the ship.

The remaining 900 men faced exposure, dehydration, saltwater poisoning, and shark attacks as they waited for assistance while floating with few lifeboats and almost no food or water. The Navy learned of the sinking when survivors were spotted four days later by the crew of a PV-1 Ventura on routine patrol. Only 317 sailors survived.

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Below is a reprint from Signature House sales May 2009 catalogue/on-line sale:

THE GENCHI COLLECTION

Signature House is pleased to present the Genchi Collection to our clientele. Fred Genchi, now associated with the historic landmark homes of Thomas Jefferson (Monticello) and James Madison (Montpelier) in central Virginia, started his collection during his years as a successful real estate broker and entrepreneur in the Los Angeles area. His interest in collecting historical documents and memorabilia was sparked in 1993 with his first purchase of a Revolutionary War document from a shop in Disneyland. Subsequently, he has amassed a collection of over 2,500 items spanning the eras of Colonial America through today.

Monticello Autographs began in southern California in 1994. Mr. Genchi has since relocated to central Virginia and he is now employed at Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home) and Montpelier (James Madison's home) both properties are located in central Virginia.